Hypnosis Revealed: Myths, Science & Healing

Hypnosis is an enigmatic realm that blurs the line between science and mystery, where the boundaries of perception and suggestion mingle and our minds wander into new territories. For many, hypnosis conjures images of Vegas showmen making people cluck like chickens or Hollywood villains wielding mind control. But what if this perception is both a misconception and a missed opportunity for genuine personal transformation?

Let's dive into the real world of hypnosis, guided by expert hypnotherapist Steve Burgess—Master Hypnotist, author, and veteran of more than 15,000 individual therapy sessions. In a candid conversation on “Things Visible and Invisible,” Steve dispels the myths and reveals the incredible potential of clinical hypnotherapy.

The Natural Trance States We All Experience

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis isn't some mystical, unreachable phenomenon or a rare power wielded by a select few. In fact, as Steve explains, trance states are an entirely natural part of everyday life. Ever found yourself zoning out during a long drive, lost in a daydream, or slowly drifting off to sleep? You’ve entered a trance state—no swinging pocket watches required.

Ancient cultures recognized these altered states, using rituals like drumming, chanting, or even plant medicines to access the subconscious. But it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries—thanks to figures like Franz Mesmer and Dr. James Braid—that hypnosis began taking shape as an organized discipline. Mesmer, who introduced the idea of “animal magnetism,” believed in an unseen force flowing through all living beings. While his theories were eventually debunked, they set the stage for later scientific study and the term “hypnosis” itself.

Stage Hypnosis vs. Clinical Hypnotherapy: Clearing Up the Confusion

Fast forward to the present, and we find hypnosis at an awkward crossroads between entertainment and genuine therapy. Stage hypnotists capitalize on the spectacle—making volunteers act silly for laughs—feeding public suspicion and skepticism. As Steve wryly notes, being introduced as a hypnotherapist at social gatherings instantly draws a mix of fascination and wariness.

Yet, as he emphasizes, stage hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy are worlds apart. While both rely on inducing a trance, the intent and process are drastically different. Stage hypnotists use fast techniques to induce trance in a select 25-30% of the population who are highly suggestible. Their aim is entertainment—sometimes at the participant’s expense.

Clinical hypnotherapy, in contrast, is about healing. Hypnotherapists work with anyone seeking help, using gentle relaxation techniques to create a state of deep focus and inner safety. The trance is not about losing control—it’s about gaining access to the subconscious, “the engine room of the mind.” This process requires not just learned technique but also intuition, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others navigate and overcome their struggles.

Becoming a Hypnotherapist: Gift, Training, or Both?

One of the recurring questions for Steve is whether hypnotic ability is a gift or something anyone can learn. The answer, it turns out, is a bit of both. While techniques can be taught—much like playing the piano or learning a sport—true mastery often comes with an innate empathy and an intuitive feel for guiding clients.

Steve’s own journey into hypnotherapy began unexpectedly, inspired by his father’s transformative experience kicking a smoking habit through hypnosis. What started as a pragmatic career shift became a lifelong passion, with Steve discovering that he was something of a “natural therapist.” But for anyone interested, the door is open—training, mentorship, and a love of helping others are the keys.

What Can Hypnotherapy Help With? The Surprising Range

Many people only think of hypnotherapy in the context of breaking bad habits like smoking. In reality, hypnotherapy’s applications are vast. People seek Steve’s expertise for challenges ranging from anxiety, depression, and phobias to confidence issues, even physical ailments, skin problems, sexual health, and more.

Unlike traditional talk therapy—which may require years of sessions—hypnotherapy is what Steve calls “radical therapy.” Positive change can often happen quickly, sometimes even in a single session (though ongoing support is often ideal for best results). By planting powerful suggestions in the subconscious or addressing root causes through regression therapy, hypnotherapists help clients neutralize fears, change lifelong patterns, and unlock their best selves.

Inside a Hypnotherapy Session: What Really Happens

If you’re picturing swirling spirals or swinging watches, think again. Hypnotherapy sessions are grounded in relaxation and focused attention. Steve likens the conscious mind to the tip of an iceberg—visible but tiny compared to the vast, powerful subconscious below the surface. The hypnotherapist guides clients into a relaxed state where the critical factor fades and new, positive suggestions can take root.

Sometimes, hypnotherapy involves what’s called “post-hypnotic suggestion”—simple, direct statements given while the client is in trance. These suggestions, ranging from “you will feel calmer” to “you are free from your old habits,” are like seeds planted in fertile soil, growing stronger over time. Other times, the therapist might guide clients through regression to address and release deeply rooted blocks from the past.

Who Can Be Hypnotized?

Not everyone responds to hypnosis in the same way, and that's perfectly normal. Some people find it easy and natural to enter trance; others may be average or even resistant—often those who strongly dislike giving up control. But according to Steve, nearly everyone can experience some degree of trance and benefit from the therapy.

Busting Myths, Changing Lives

Ultimately, the greatest barrier to hypnotherapy’s potential is misinformation. Not everyone will dance when someone snaps their fingers, and no trained hypnotherapist is out to control your mind. Hypnosis is a powerful tool for healing—one rooted in compassion, psychology, and the remarkable capacity of the human mind to adapt and change.

For those eager to explore further, Steve Burgess’s books and online resources offer a deeper dive. His latest release, “The Adventures of a Hypnotherapist: Was I Under?” draws from decades of experience, offering stories, insights, and hope for anyone challenged by mental, emotional, or even physical blocks.

The Takeaway: Embracing the Real Power of Hypnosis

Hypnosis isn’t a parlor trick or a relic of the past—it’s a gateway to personal transformation and genuine healing. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or seeking real change, know that trance is as natural as breathing. In the hands of a skilled, compassionate hypnotherapist, it becomes a bridge to healing, growth, and a new understanding of your true self.

Are you ready to discover what lies beneath the surface of your own mind? Your journey might just start with a single suggestion—and a willingness to see the invisible become visible.

📕 Guest: Steve Burgess

Steve is a UK-based Master Hypnotist and internationally recognized hypnotherapist who has been practicing full-time since 1992. With over 15,000 one-to-one sessions, he specializes in treating anxiety, phobias, and emotional trauma through hypnotherapy and regression techniques, including past life regression. A senior member of the General Hypnotherapy Register and National Council for Hypnotherapy, Steve is also the author of The Adventures of a Hypnotherapist.

🌍 Website: https://steveburgesshypnosis.com/

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